The American Kennel Club Announces Recipients of 2018 Junior Versatility Awards

The American Kennel Club (AKC ® ), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and advocate for all dogs, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Junior Versatility Awards. As a result of generous donations to the AKC ® Humane Fund by Carolyn and Gary Koch and the Triangle Judges Group , the AKC awarded five scholarships at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to Juniors who compete in a minimum of three different titling events. These donations were specifically earmarked for the Junior Versatility Awards.

The program is designed to recognize Juniors that participate in a variety of sports. Juniors are awarded points for event participation, earning qualifying scores or placements, and earning titles in AKC events. The top four Juniors receive scholarships. The first and second place scholarships are offered via the generous donation by Carolyn and Gary Koch in memory of GCHP Hill Country’s Let’s Get Ready to Rumble. Third through fifth place scholarships are offered by the donation from Triangle Judges Educa tion Group.

“We are honored to recognize these five Junior Handlers who participate in various AKC sports,” says Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President of AKC Sports & Events. “ These Juniors have demonstrated hard work, commitment , and a passion for dogs . We appreciate the enthusiasm that Juniors bring to our sports and we are pleased to acknowledge their accomplishments with the Junior Versatility Awards.”

Mari – Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sport Services, announced the 2018 winners at a ceremony held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship in Orlando.

The 2018 Winners:

First Place

David Frasca of St. Charles, MO: David competes in Agility, CAT, Fast CAT, Obedience, and Rally with a Border Collie, Golden Retriever and a Standard Schnauzer. He will receive a $3,000 scholarship.

Second Place

Avery Adams of Belleville, IL: Avery competes in Agili ty, Junior Showmanship, Obedience and Rally with a Border Collie and Golden Retriever and competes in Junior showmanship with an English Springer Spaniel. She will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Third Place

Rachel Clark of Nicholasville, KY: Rachel compete s in Junior Showmanship, Rally and Obedience with an English Springer Spaniel and a Beagle. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Fourth Place

O’Malley McGee of Simpsonville, SC O’Malley competes in Junior Showmanship, CAT, Pointing Breed Hunt Tests, Coonhound Bench Shows, Fast CAT and a Trick Dog with a Pointer, a Dalmatian, and a Treeing Walker Coonhound. She will receive a $500 scholarship.

Fifth Place

Mary Claire Ctibor of Milner, GA. Mary competes in Junior Showmanship, Rally, Pointing Breed Hunt Tests, Field Trials and a Trick Dog with her Brittany. She will receive a $500 scholar s hip.